Tile panel system

ABSTRACT

A tile panel system has a frame for supporting one or more tiles. The system includes a plurality of vertical support member. Attached to the support members are two piece blocks that clamp around the vertical supports. Horizontal rails then extend between oppositely positioned clamp. Tiles are then releasably secured to the horizontal rails via spring clips or other appropriate mechanisms.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a panel system for offices, work stations,partitions, division walls and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

The open space concept for work areas provides adaptability andversatility in layout by the use of adjustable and movable panels todivide the open space into individual work areas. These panels haveusually been of modular construction usually of standard dimensions,each panel being covered with a suitable surface material which conformsto the decor of the area and which acoustically insulates to somedegree. These panels usually comprise an external frame work supportingthe surface material, there being clips or other coupling devices forconnecting adjacent panels together. When the partition or screen isconstructed by interconnecting the panels, the individual panels areclearly discernible due to the exposed frames of adjacent panels. Thusthe appearance of the partition is dictated by the material of thepanels.

Attempts have been made to improve the appearance of the partitions byproviding each panel with a frame there being provision from theattachments of individual surface elements, for convenience calledtiles, which can be clipped to the frame, the arrangement being that thetiles overlie the frames so that when erected, the frames are notvisible. However as the frames are constructed individually, theversatility is limited to the range of sizes of the frames.

Also as each work station requires the supply of electrical power,communication and computer cabling, provision is required to be made forthe cabling to be carried within the panels or partitions.

An example of an office partition which provides for the addition oftiles to a framework and also for the provision of cabling to be locatedwithin the partition is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,406. However thatpanel is also limited to the dimensions of the vertical frames, whilethe length can be varied during construction of the panel, so that theconstructed panel is then transported to the construction site. Thecabling has to be manually threaded though the uprights supporting thepanel.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a partition which isadaptable to any sized and shaped area.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a partition or panelwhich is constructed and erected on site so as to conform directly tothe dimensions of the area to be partitioned.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a partition or wallin which the tiles are not limited to a modular construction and whichtiles can cover more than the horizontal spacing of the upright members.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a panel or partitionin which the covering or surface tiles are clipped to the frame of thepanel.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a partition orpanel in which the opposed surfaces of the panel or partition are spacedfrom each other in such a manner that cabling can easily be installed inthe panel or partition.

A further object of the invention whereby the cabling can be installedbefore the panels are clipped in position, and thus any change ormaintenance to the cabling can be easily made by unclipping the selectedpanels to expose the cabling.

Thus there is provided according to the invention a panel or partitioncomprising a plurality of spaced upright members, connecting blocksspaced vertically along the upright members, said connecting blockshaving a lateral width greater than the width of the upright members,said connecting blocks each connecting a pair of parallel horizontallyspaced horizontal members between adjacent upright members, and coveringtiles attached by attachment means to adjacent vertically spacedhorizontal members, whereby the tiles are spaced from the verticalmembers in which space cabling may be installed.

The invention therefore provides a partition including single verticalposts with cross rails for support of vertical and horizontalcomponents.

Preferably the tiles can be of varying shape, colour and/or texture withadjacent tiles having complimentary shapes so that a desired visualeffect can be produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one form of panel or partition according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a further form of panel;

FIG. 3 shows in exploded form various forms of construction of thepanel,

FIG. 4 illustrates a further form of construction,

FIG. 5 shows a further form of the invention,

FIG. 6 illustrates an accessory used on the panel,

FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) illustrate a further feature of the accessory,

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a panel attached to the rails, and

FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) show a panel with continuous clips.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two partitions 1comprising panels 2. Each panel 2 is composed of various tiles 3 ofdiffering shapes which, as later described, are attached to a frameforming the structure of the partitions.

FIG. 3 illustrates in exploded view one embodiment of the invention.Each panel of the partition comprises a plurality of posts 4 connectedby pairs of rails 5 to form the frame of the partition. A connectingblock 6 comprising two portions 7 and 8 are positioned at the desireddistance along the post 4 and clamped to the post 4 by studs 9, eachportion 7 and 8 having a semicircular portion to embrace the post 4.

Also each portion has a pair of slots 10 extending from opposite faces12 and 13 of the portion, the slots opening into tapered holes 11, theholes tapering from the respective faces 12 and 13. Also each portionhas a corresponding half slot and half tapered hole on the face abuttingthe corresponding portion, so that these half slots and tapered holesform complete slot and tapered holes.

Two alternative methods of connecting the rails 5 to the connectingblocks are shown in FIG. 3. As show in the upper left portion of theFigure there is a cast chill 14 having a tapered plug 15 connected by aweb 16 to the chill 14 on one face of the chill. On the opposite face ofthe chill, there are provided at least two and preferably four circularspigots 17 over which the hollow circular rails may be positioned.

On the right side of the drawing there is shown a chill 18 having on oneface the tapered plug 15 and connecting web 16. However on the oppositeside there are provided two, and preferably four holes 19 adapted tohave the rails 5 inserted therein.

Also to the right of the Figure there is shown a portion of a tile 2having a clip 20, fastened as by a screw 21 to the inner face of thetile 2 the clip having a recess 22 and a led in resilient portion 23 soas to be adapted to clip over a rail 5. It will be realised that thelower portion of the tile 2 will have a similar clip 20 but facing inthe opposite direction with the clips facing each other so that the clipat the lower portion of the tile will clip underneath the respectiverail 5 to thus secure the tile to the respective rails. Preferably theremay be a plurality of clips spaced horizontally across each tile so thatvarious shaped tiles can be clipped to the rails.

Alternately and most preferably, the clips on each tile are continuousacross the tiles. Thus irrespective of the shape of the tiles, the tilescan be clipped to the rails and even extend over one or more uprightposts.

In the erection of the panel or partition, the posts can be positionedthe required distance apart, the blocks clamped at the requireddistances along the posts, the rails connected to a chill at each end ofthe rails and the rails and chill connected to the connecting blocks bypositioning the tapered plugs within the tapered holes in the blocks.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further alternative of the invention. In thisinstance the connecting block 30 comprises two portions 31 and 32adapted to be clamped to the post 4 by screws 33. This Figure alsoillustrates two different means for connecting to the rails 5. Theportions themselves are provided either with spigots 34 or holes 35which connect to the rails. In this embodiment the portions of theblocks have the holes or spigots, and thus the chills are not requiredin this embodiment.

However to erect a panel according to this embodiment, a post ispositioned with the blocks thereon at the required spacing, a furtherpost is prepared with the blocks at the required spacing ready forpositioning, and the rails are then connected to the first positionedpost, and then the second post is connected to the rails in the requiredposition of the post.

Thus it can be seen that when the frame work is completed it is merelynecessary to clip the tiles in position. As noted previously, the tilescan be rectangular, square, triangular, circular or any desired shapewith adjacent tiles having complimentary shapes. Also the tiles need notbe of the same colour, texture or manufactured of the same material, sothat a variety of patterns, colours and finishes are available in anydesired combination . The blocks can be spaced in the standard 400 mmspacing, or any other desired spacing. However if the partition is to befitted to an existing area, the posts and rails can be cut to thedesired length and easily assembled on site.

The lower ends of the posts will be provided with suitable pads or feetto rest on the floor. The panels or partitions are preferably erected onsite, the blocks being clamped and positioned on the tubes, the postspositioned and the rails connected between the posts.

Also the invention can be applied to a frame work which manufactured ina factory and transported to the installation site. A further example isshown in FIG. 5 which frame includes posts 40 and hollow rails 41, therails in this instance being welded, riveted or attached by screws orstuds to the posts. If the frame is of welded construction, it would bedesirable to construct the frame before taking to the erection site. Theframes of various panels can be interconnected by connecting pegs 42which are positioned in the ends of the hollow rails of adjacent frames.

To provide shelves, brackets can be clamped to the posts at the desiredpositions, the brackets extending between adjacent tiles.

Various brackets, shelves and the like can be attached to the frame ofthe panels and one such accessory is shown in FIG. 6. In the example thepanel has posts 50, blocks 51 connected by the pairs of rails 52. Amounting tube or rail 53 is positioned between the blocks on one of theadditional spigots or sockets in the respective blocks. Beforepositioning of the mounting rail 53, the mounting rail is passed throughholes in the ends of mounting bars 54. The mounting bars 54 are of alength to extend to the next lower pair of rails 52, and have an arcuaterecess at their lower end to fit and snap over the lower rail 52. Thusit is seen that the shelves, etc. are attached to the horizontal rails,and not necessarily to the posts.

The mounting bars can be interconnected by any desired covering ormaterial or sheet member to which accessories may be attached or added.Thus in this example there is a metal panel 55 interconnecting themounting bars, the panel 55 being screwed to the mounting bars. Thepanel has a plurality of spaced upwardly facing tongues 56 pressed outof the panel 55 to which accessories, or a decorative tile can beattached. Thus this can form a hinged lid for a hatch to provide anopening through the partition, there being a similar lid on the otherside of the partition. Thus the metal panel can be between the posts asin FIG. 6, or extend over one or more posts as in FIG. 7b.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 8 which shows the panels2 clipped to the rails 5 by clips 20. The rails 5 are supported by theblocks 6 on the posts 4 with the panels 2 spaced from the posts 4.

FIG. 9a illustrates an example of a panel made up of shaped sections 3and the arrangement of clips thereon, thus producing a panel having acircular central portion, which can be of contrasting material and/orcolour to the remainder of the panel. A further example is shown in FIG.9b where the panel comprises a number of triangular sections 3 clippedto the rails 5. Various sections of the triangular sections 3 may be ofvarying texture and/or colour to produce an aesthetically pleasingappearance.

Thus with the present invention, the framework can be erected, and thecabling laid on the framework, passing beside the posts. The tiles canthen be attached into position, selected tiles having openings for thecabling to pass there through or to have appropriate sockets or otherconnection units for the power, communications cables and computercables. Preferably the cables are located by appropriate ties connectedto the posts and or rails. When it is necessary to relocate or changeany appliances or cabling it is merely necessary to unclip theappropriate tiles.

Also it is to be noted that any accessories need not be mounted on thepost or upright members, but are able to be mounted on the rails. Thusthe work top can be mounted on the horizontal rails. In this instancethere can be provided four rails connected to the appropriate blocks orchills at the desired height, and the work top attached in cantileverfashion to these rails.

Thus it will be seen that the tiles are not limited to any modularconstruction. The posts can be positioned at any desired spacing. Eventhough the posts are spaced at a distance, the tiles can overlap theposts, and even one tile can be used for one partition covering from topto bottom and from end to end of the partition, covering allintermediate posts.

In a further alternative the clip means may be a continuous strip ofhooks and loops.

The connecting blocks by being square allow for the partition panels tobe placed at right angles when desired. However it is to be realisedthat some blocks can either have a triangular, hexagonal or octagonalshape so that the panels can extend at various angles depending upon theoffice requirements.

Cover pieces (not shown) are also provided to cover the top and ends ofthe panels or partition. These would be clipped in position on the topand the exposed ends of the partition where the panels do not abut eachother or abut against a wall or the like.

This it will be seen that the panel or partition is easily erected onsite, the tiles can be designed to have any desired aesthetic effect,and also provision is made for the cabling to be easily installed,changed or removed as desired.

Although various forms of the invention have been described in somedetail it is to be realised that the invention is not to be limitedthereto, but can include variations and modifications falling within thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel or partition comprising a plurality ofspaced upright members, connecting blocks spaced vertically along theupright members, each said connecting block comprising two halvesclamped to each other about the upright members said connecting blockshaving a lateral dimension greater than the width of the uprightmembers, said connecting blocks each connecting a pair of parallelhorizontally spaced horizontal members between adjacent upright members,and covering tiles attached by attachment means to adjacent, verticallyspaced horizontal members, whereby the tiles are spaced from thevertical members.
 2. A panel or partition as defined in claim 1 whereineach half has a plurality of attachment members in the form of spigotsextending from the surface of the block, said horizontal members beinghollow and connecting over the spigots.
 3. A panel or partition asdefined in claim 1 wherein each half has a plurality of holes in itssurface, said holes being dimensioned that ends of respective horizontalmembers are inserted therein to be connected to the block.
 4. A panel orpartition as defined in claim 1 wherein the horizontal members arehollow and are attached to the blocks by spigots over which the hollowhorizontal members are positioned or holes into which the ends of thehorizontal members are inserted.
 5. A panel or partition as defined inclaim 1 wherein said attachment means are extended horizontally acrossthe tiles.
 6. A panel or partition as defined in claim 5 wherein saidattachment means is a single continuous clip extending across said tile.7. A panel or partition as defined in claim 5, wherein said attachmentmeans is a plurality of clips spaced across said tile.
 8. A panel orpartition as defined in claim 1 and including a connecting elementreleasably attached to each block, said connecting element having meansto connect to the horizontal members whereby the horizontal members andconnecting elements are assembled and then attached to the respectiveblocks.
 9. A panel or partition as defined in claim 8 wherein eachconnecting element has a wedge shaped member attached to the connectingelement by a web, and said block has at least one tapered apertureconnected to the surface of the block by a slot so that the connectingelement is connected to the block.
 10. A panel or partition as definedin claim 8, wherein each block has a plurality of tapered apertures andslots.
 11. A panel or partition as defined in claim 8 wherein thehorizontal members are hollow and each connecting element connects tothe horizontal members by either spigots which are inserted into theends of said hollow horizontal members or by holes in the connectingelements into which the ends of the horizontal members are inserted. 12.A panel or partition comprising a plurality of posts supporting aplurality of pairs of horizontally spaced rails, each of said pairsbeing vertically spaced from each other, and said rails supportingcovering tiles removably attached to the rails, said rails being securedto the posts via blocks which are clamped to the posts, each blockhaving a lateral dimension greater than the width of the respectivepost.